Cruise Advice
14 June
Setting sail from Tromsø
Tromsø is often referred to as the Gateway to the Arctic. Its beauty astonishes new visitors with its magnificent views over the Tromsø strait. Tromsø's location, well within the Arctic Circle, means the summer months are lit by the Midnight Sun, a compensation for some rather long, dark winters. It is a wonderful city to explore on foot, wandering along the streets with their multi-coloured wooden houses. A must see is the amazing architecture of the Arctic cathedral, or perhaps take the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen (1382ft) for a fantastic view.
Don't miss
The Polar Museum, housed in a traditional wharf house, has a fascinating collection from the days of early polar exploration, and explorers such as Nansen and Amundsen.
15 June
Norway: Gjesværstappan
The steep-sided Gjesværstappan islands tower dramatically above the freezing waters off the north coast of Norway, carpeted in grass and home to thousands of seabirds. Species that nest here include puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants and skuas.
15 June
Norway: Skarsvåg
Skarsvåg is the world’s most northerly fishing village, situated on the north coast of the Norwegian island of Magerøya. The village is less than 10 miles from the North Cape, where the Arctic and Atlantic oceans meet, and you may spot reindeer grazing on the surrounding tundra.
16 June
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Bjørnøya
Bjørnøya, or Bear Island, is the most southerly island in the Svalbard archipelago, marooned in the Barents Sea halfway between Spitsbergen and the Norwegian mainland. Despite the name there are no polar bears permanently resident, and the island’s most impressive sight is the huge bird colonies nesting on the cliffs.
17-22 June
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Svalbard
The Svalbard archipelago is a true wilderness, a land of snowy peaks, frozen tundra and glassy seas. You’ll likely have no fixed itinerary here, due to the unpredictable nature of an Arctic expedition; be prepared to drop everything and rush up to the top deck for the chance of a polar bear sighting!
23 June
Arriving in Longyearbyen
This is the world's northernmost city and the base for tourism in Svalbard. A bit quirky, as you would expect from somewhere that spends four months of the year in near darkness, Longyearbyen doesn't take long to explore. Its brightly coloured wooden houses are built on stilts, as the ground in Svalbard is permafrost. When you enter a building, you are normally asked to remove your shoes, and leave your gun at the door. Gun carrying is more or less essential for the locals, as with 3,000 local hungry polar bears, it is said that you never know when you might need protection. That said, we visited safely without a gun!
Our tip
Don’t die here – it’s illegal. There have been no new burials for over 70 years, because the permafrost prevents bodies from decomposing.
For once-in-a-lifetime tailor-made itineraries, Mundy Adventures specialises in expedition cruises to some of the most wonderful places on earth; places often only accessible by water.
Your home from home
The intimate and popular Silver Cloud is reborn as a stylish expedition ship, following an extensive refurbishment in August 2017.
What we love
The lovely Silver Cloud is now part of Silversea's Expeditions fleet, with a reduced capacity, an ice-strengthened hull and 18 zodiacs making this one of the most luxurious expedition ships at sea.
| Capacity | 254 guests (240 guests in polar regions) |
|---|---|
| Crew | 208 International Staff |
| Style | Cosy, welcoming, stimulating, exciting - this ship has it all! If you enjoy the finer things in life but have an adventurous spirit, you will find yourself in congenial company on board. |
| Inclusions |
|
| Year built | 1994 |
| Last refurbished | 2017 |
| Tonnage | 16,800 grt |
| Length | 514 feet |
| Breadth | 71 feet |
| Cruising speed | 18 knots |
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Our favourite hotel in Tromsø
The Scandic Ishavshotel has a great location on the quay so nearly all the rooms have magnificent views.
Around Tromsø
Take a tour by RIB to see the beautiful islands and beaches of this remote region, lapped by Gulf Stream waters.
Where to stay in Longyearbyen
There’s really not much choice! Go for the Radisson Blu.
Explore Spitsbergen
Travel out of Longyearbyen by snow scooter or dog sled to take a look at the amazing scenery and hunt for wildlife.
